Detroit's Week 5 injury report lists four players ruled out: Sione Vaki (groin), Zach Cunningham (hamstring), Alim McNeill (knee), Khalil Dorsey (concussion). Safety Kerby Joseph and left tackle Taylor Decker are listed as questionable after Friday’s update, with Joseph’s knee issue described as lingering from last game and Decker fighting through a shoulder problem. Campbell stressed Joseph’s progress and Decker’s toughness, but acknowledged the veteran could be limited.

These absences punch a hole in Detroit’s defense and offensive line, potentially testing run defense and protection opportunities against Cincinnati. The uncertainty around Joseph and Decker adds a layer of risk for Lions fans and fantasy managers, while the rest of the injuries could push other Lions to step up in roles behind the depth chart. Closest attention should stay on Joseph’s availability and Decker’s status heading into Week 5.

Fantasy takeaway: monitor Joseph’s active status; if he plays, Lions’ defense remains steadier and smoother in coverage. If not, Cincinnati’s pass attack could exploit the holes, elevating Bengals receivers. Decker’s status will also influence Goff’s pocket pressure and the Lions’ ability to sustain the run and protect down the stretch.

Alim McNeill’s ACL rehab is turning progress into potential for the Lions. He reports a routine feel in 2025 drills after a brutal rehab plan with Lions staff and a drive to prove he can contribute, though no return date is set. He sits around 90% health and is focused on day-by-day reps and premium tape. DL coach Kacy Rodgers has Detroit’s front learning the scheme, linking interior pressure with linebackers and the secondary for smarter, disruptive play.

The Week 3 MNF showdown pits Baltimore against Detroit in a high-octane chess match of offense versus pace. Sharp bettors show a split stance: Ravens favored, Detroit attracting counter-bets, and a total hovering in the low 50s as both offenses shine. Detroit aims to pace the game with a run-first approach, while Baltimore looks to deploy Lamar Jackson in prime time and exploit defensive gaps. Injuries on both sides shape lineups and prop bets, making this a fantasy-friendly, outcomes-driven tilt.

Key notes: Lions’ Decker, Joseph and Reed are questionable; Ravens’ Madubuike and Van Noy are out. The expected narrative centers on Lamar and Goff stacks, team totals, and prop angles rather than a pure winner. Final projection skews toward a 30-24 Baltimore win, but the fantasy play thrives on high-leverage players and game-script opportunities.

Alim McNeill nears ACL rehab finish and believes he could suit up if needed, but the Lions will push the final 6-7% to finish building stability around the knee. A return roughly a month after Week 5 versus Cincinnati is plausible. With Levi Onwuzurike out for 2025, Detroit leans on DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams and Roy Lopez to anchor the interior. Lopez has seized more snaps early, while Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes express confidence in the defensive line depth heading into a critical stretch for fantasy rosters.